2. Brian's Song (1971)

Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo — one black, one white; one the starting tailback, the other the man trying to take his job — seem as though they'd be unlikely friends. But then, if they weren't, their story wouldn't be the stuff of legends.Brian's Songis about the relationship that forms between two Chicago Bears players, especially after Piccolo discovers he is dying of cancer.

Although this was actually a made-for-TV movie, it's up there on this list thanks to its heart-rending portrayal of the bond that Piccolo (James Caan) and Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) — and their wives — develop. A great buddy movie,Brian's Songmay be the sappiest movie on the list, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. A story this good is sure to move even the most stone-faced dude.

Memorable quote:"I love Brian Piccolo...and tonight, I want you to love him too."-Gale Sayers, after accepting an award.